Display device with slow product advancing mechanism

ABSTRACT

A display device includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front portion. The display device also includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise. The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed between the first and second side walls, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a biasing element for biasing the pusher body, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to display devices and more particularly to display devices having a product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise to a portion of the display device where an item can be dispensed.

2. The Prior Art

Merchandise for retail sale is typically arranged in parallel rows on modular shelving units. It is known to use a biasing device to bias a row of products displayed on a shelf toward a front portion of the shelf. Such devices push a row of remaining products forward toward a front of the shelf as a product is removed, thereby maintaining a neat, fully stocked appearance and eliminating the need for manual leveling of shelves.

Existing biasing devices typically advance the remaining products in a row of products to a front portion of the display at a relatively rapid rate. In the case of certain items of merchandise, particularly items with a high retail price which are more susceptible to theft, such as, for example over the counter pharmaceutical products, razor cartridges and other products, it may be desirable to limit the access to the item of merchandise in order to reduce the instances of theft of such items.

Accordingly, the need exists for a display device having a product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise toward a front portion of the display for dispensing, wherein the product advancing mechanism advances the items at a controlled slow rate of speed combined with limited access to the product, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

A need further exists for a display device including a plurality of product dispensers wherein each product dispenser includes a movable gate which is movable between a closed position wherein items of merchandise cannot be removed from the product dispenser and an open position wherein an item of merchandise can be removed from the product dispenser.

A need further exists for a display device including a lockout mechanism which is actuated by a movable gate, such that when one gate of a product dispenser is opened for dispensing an item of merchandise, another gate of an adjacent product dispenser cannot be opened, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

A need further exists for a display device including a plurality of product dispensers wherein each product dispenser includes a slidable top member which is movable between a first position wherein items of merchandise cannot be removed from the product dispenser and a second position wherein an item of merchandise can be removed from the product dispenser.

A need further exists for a display device including a lockout mechanism which is actuated by a slidable top member, such that when one slidable top member of a product dispenser is opened for dispensing an item of merchandise, another slidable top member of an adjacent product dispenser cannot be opened, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

A need further exists for a display device having a product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise toward a front portion of the display at a controlled slow rate of speed, and wherein a frontmost item of merchandise may be dropped to a position wherein the item may be removed from an enclosure by displacing a push button or bar, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to display devices and more particularly to display devices having a product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise to a portion of the display device where an item can be dispensed.

In one aspect of the invention, a display device includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front portion. The display device further includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise.

The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed between the first side wall and second side wall, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element for biasing the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

In another aspect of the invention, the enclosure includes a slidable top member movable between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the enclosure. A second biasing element may be coupled to the slidable top member for biasing the slidable top member into the first position.

In another aspect of the invention, a first locking pin and a second locking pin are provided. The locking pins are displaced from a retracted position to an extended position as the slidable top member is moved from its first position to its second position.

In another aspect of the invention, the enclosure includes a pivoting door coupled to the front portion of the enclosure. The pivoting door is movable between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the enclosure. The pivoting door may have an opening therethrough for loading the plurality of items of merchandise into the enclosure. A second biasing element may be coupled to the pivoting door for biasing the pivoting door into the first position.

In another aspect of the invention, the display device includes a projection disposed on the pivoting door, a bracket, a first locking pin slidably mounted in the bracket and biased inwardly toward the tapered projection and a second locking pin slidably mounted in the bracket and biased inwardly toward the tapered projection. The tapered projection displaces the first and second locking pins from a retracted position to an extended position as the pivoting door is moved from its first position to its second position. In the extended position, the first locking pin projects through an associated first opening provided in the first side wall of the enclosure and the second locking pin projects through an associated second opening in the second side wall of the enclosure.

In another aspect of the invention, a display device includes a plurality of product dispensers. Each of the plurality of product dispensers includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. Each of the enclosures includes a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall, a front portion, a gate movable between a first position wherein an item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the enclosure, a first locking pin, and a second locking pin. The gate displaces the first and second locking pins from a retracted position to an extended position as the gate is moved from its first position to its second position.

Each of the plurality of product dispensers also includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing the item of merchandise. Each of the product advancing mechanisms include a track disposed between the first side wall the second side wall, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element for biasing the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

When the first locking pin and second locking pin associated with a first product dispenser are in the extended position, a gate associated with a second product dispenser cannot be moved to its second position.

The gate may be biased into its first position by a second biasing element and the gate may include a pivoting door coupled to the front portion of the enclosure or a slidable top member.

In another aspect of the invention, a display device includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front portion. The display device further includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise.

The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed between the first side wall and second side wall, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element for biasing the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

A bottom front portion of the enclosure may be open too allow a frontmost item of merchandise to be dropped to a position wherein the item may be removed from an enclosure by displacing a push button or bar.

One advantage of a display device according to an aspect of the invention is that the display device includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise toward a front portion of the display, wherein the product advancing mechanism advances the items at a controlled slow rate of speed, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

Another advantage of a display device according to an aspect of the invention is that a product dispenser is provided which includes a movable gate movable between a closed position wherein items of merchandise cannot be removed from the product dispenser and an open position wherein an item of merchandise can be removed from the product dispenser.

Another advantage of a display device according to an aspect of the invention is that the display device includes a lockout mechanism which is actuated by a movable gate, such that when one gate of a product dispenser is opened for dispensing an item of merchandise, another gate of an adjacent product dispenser cannot be opened, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position for dispensing an item of merchandise;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the display device as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the display device as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position for dispensing an item of merchandise;

FIG. 7 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a product advancing mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the product advancing mechanism shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of a rotary damper for a product advancing mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the rotary damper shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a door for a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a locking pin arrangement for a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the locking pin arrangement shown in FIG. 14, with the locking pins in an extended position;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the locking pin arrangement shown in FIG. 14, with the locking pins in a retracted position;

FIG. 17 shows a display device having a slidable top member according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of a display device with a plurality of product dispensers according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows a front view of the display device shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed;

FIG. 23 shows a top perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 24 shows a top perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed;

FIG. 25 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 26 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a product advancing member according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of the product advancing member shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device having a slidable top member according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 29,

FIG. 31 shows a bottom perspective view of a slidable top member for the enclosure of the embodiment shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 29 with a slidable top member in a position wherein an item of merchandise can be removed;

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 29 with the slidable top member in a position wherein an item of merchandise cannot be removed;

FIG. 34 shows a front view of the display device as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 shows a front view of the display device as shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 shows a cutaway side view of the display device as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 shows a cutaway side view of the display device as shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of a product advancing member for the display device shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 39 shows an exploded perspective view of a product advancing member for the display device shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of a locking pin arrangement for the display device shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 41 shows a perspective view of the locking pin arrangement shown in FIG. 40, with the locking pins in an extended position;

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the locking pin arrangement shown in FIG. 40, with the locking pins in a retracted position;

FIG. 43 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device enclosure according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 43 as assembled;

FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of a portion of a product advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a portion of a product advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a product advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 48 shows a top view of a portion of a product advancing member a for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 49 shows a front view of a portion of a product advancing member a for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 50 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a product advancing member for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 51 shows a side view of a portion of a product advancing member for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 52 shows a side view of a product advancing member and a drop down mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the drop down mechanism is in a position such that an item cannot be removed from the enclosure;

FIG. 53 shows a side view of the product advancing member and drop down mechanism shown in FIG. 52 wherein the drop down mechanism is in a position such that an item can be removed from the enclosure;

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the arrangement as shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of the arrangement as shown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 shows a side view of a display device with a product advancing member and drop down mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention wherein an item is retained in the enclosure; and

FIG. 57 shows a side view of a display device as shown in FIG. 56 wherein the item is being removed from the enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 19, 29, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 56 and 57, a display device according to an embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure 1 for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The items of merchandise may include, for example, over the counter pharmaceutical products, razor cartridges and any other merchandise or product suitable for retail display and/or sale.

Enclosure 1 includes a first side wall 11, a second side wall 12 spaced apart from first side wall 11 and a front portion 13. The dimensions and arrangement of first side wall 11, second side wall 12 and front portion 13 may be adapted for accommodating various shapes and size of merchandise to be received in the display device.

The items of merchandise are dispensed or removed from the enclosure 1 at front portion 13. The enclosure is configured such that access to the plurality of items received in the enclosure is restricted and items may only be removed at front portion 13. For example, side walls 11, 12 may include overhanging portions extending from a rear of the enclosure to an area near front portion 13 for preventing an item from being removed through the top of the enclosure 1, other than at front portion 13. Rear and bottom enclosure walls may be provided as well for preventing removal of the merchandise items. Preferably only one item of merchandise at a time may be removed or dispensed from the display device.

The display device further includes a product advancing mechanism 2 for advancing the items of merchandise toward front portion 13 of enclosure 1 for dispensing the item. FIGS. 8, 27, 38, and 46 show perspective views and FIGS. 9, 28, 39 and 47 show exploded perspective view of exemplary product advancing mechanisms for a display device according to an embodiments of the invention.

Product advancing mechanism 2 includes a track 21 which is disposed between first side wall 11 and said second side wall 12 of enclosure 1. A pusher body 22 slidably engages track 21. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 1, pusher body 22 may include a pusher front 221 sized and shaped for contacting an associated item of merchandise. Pusher body 22 may include one or more legs projecting downwardly and engaging a corresponding slot or slots in track 21.

A first biasing element 23 biases pusher body 22 toward front portion 13 of enclosure 1. First biasing element 23 may comprise a spring element which is secured at one end near a front of enclosure 1 and/or track 21. In the embodiments shown, first biasing element 23 comprises a length of flat metal spring material which is secured at one end to a front of track 21 and forms a coil which is uncoiled as pusher body 22 is moved toward a back of enclosure 1. The coiled spring biases pusher body 22 toward front portion 13 of enclosure 1. As shown in FIGS. 39 and 50, a stop 231 may be provided for retaining biasing element 23. Stop 231 may be secured to track 21 at various locations. Other forms of biasing elements, for example, coil springs, are contemplated as well.

Product advancing mechanism 2 further includes a governing device 200 for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion 13 of the enclosure. Preferably, governing device 200 results in the pusher body 22 moving at a relatively slow, controlled rate of speed.

Governing device 200 may comprise various means for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion 13 of the enclosure, thereby controlling the rate at which items of merchandise are made available for removal from the enclosure. For example, governing device may be a damper, such as a rotary damper or a linear damper. Governing device 200 may include spring-based mechanisms, for example a mechanism similar to those used in a mechanical clock or watch. Governing device 200 may also include mechanisms which employ viscous fluids, gas or air pressure or any other mechanism suitable for controlling the rate of displacement of the product advancing member to achieve the desired rate of advancement of the items for limiting access thereto and reducing theft.

Governing device 200 is configured to provide a desired rate of movement of pusher body 22. The design of product advancing member 2 including governing device 200 may take into account the particular dimensions of the items of merchandise received in enclosure 1. For example, for a small item of merchandise, product advancing mechanism 2 including governing device 200 may be configured such that approximately 10 seconds elapse between removal of a first item from front portion 13 of enclosure 1 and the displacement of a second item to a position where the second item is available for removal. For a larger item of merchandise, product advancing mechanism 2 including governing device 200 may be configured such that approximately 30 seconds elapse between removal of a first item from front portion 13 of enclosure 1 and the displacement of a second item to a position where the second item is available for removal.

Governing device 200 may include, for example, a gear rack 24 disposed on track 21. Gear rack 24 includes a plurality of teeth engaged by an associated gear of rotary damper 25, shown for example in FIG. 10. Governing device 200 may further include a rotary damper 25 which is coupled to pusher body 22 and engages gear rack 24. Rotary damper 25 may include an upper flanged portion for securing to an underside of pusher body 22. Rotary damper 25 may further include a housing containing a viscous medium, such as oil, for slowing the rotation of the associated gear.

The governing device 200, such as a rotary damper 25 slows the forward linear motion of pusher body 22 in response to the biasing action of biasing element 23. As a result, the product advancing mechanism advances the items of merchandise at a controlled, slow rate of speed, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.

As described herein, enclosure 1 may be configured such that an item or items of the plurality of items received in enclosure 1 may only removed at front portion 13. Preferably, enclosure 1 is designed so that only one item of merchandise may be removed from the display device at a time.

In operation, when a person removes an item of merchandise from front portion 13 of enclosure 1, product advancing mechanism 2 advances the remaining items of merchandise 1 in the enclosure 1 toward front portion 13 so that another item may be removed. In particular, first biasing element 23 biases pusher body 22 toward front portion 13 of enclosure 1, thereby pushing the remaining items of merchandise which are arranged one behind another in a row, toward the front portion 13 of enclosure 1. Governing device 200 controls the rate at which the biasing element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion of the enclosure, where the item may be removed. For example, rotary damper 25, which is coupled to pusher body 22 and engages gear rack 24, slows the forward motion of pusher body 22, thus increasing the time required for the next item of merchandise to be available for removal.

Enclosure 1 may further include a gate which is movable between a first or closed position, wherein an item of merchandise cannot be removed from enclosure 1, and a second or open position, wherein an item of merchandise can be removed from enclosure 1. The gate may be in the form of a slidable top member 15 or a pivoting door 16. A gate, however, is not required, and a display device or product dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention may function without a movable gate. For example, the enclosure may incorporate a front wall and top member wherein the top member is dimensioned so as to allow removal of the front most item of merchandise from the top of the enclosure. In a further embodiment described and shown herein, the enclosure may be configured such that a frontmost item of merchandise may drop down onto a displaceable button or bar, which button or bar may be displaced to allow for removal of the item.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 29-37, enclosure 1 may further include a slidable top member 15 which functions as a gate. Slidable top member 15 may be movable between a first or closed position as shown in FIGS. 33, 35 and 37, wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from enclosure 1 and a second or open position, as shown in FIGS. 32, 34 and 36, wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from enclosure 1. Slidable top member 15 may cover a top portion of enclosure 1 in the first or closed position such that the items of merchandise cannot be removed from enclosure 1. Slidable top member 15 may be coupled to the display device so that a prospective customer may move slidable top member from the first or closed position to the second or open position by pushing slidable top member 15 back toward a rear of the display device. Preferably, in its second or open position, slidable top member 15 retracts just enough to allow the forward-most item of merchandise to be removed from enclosure 1.

One or more second biasing elements 162 may be coupled to slidable top member 15 for biasing slidable top member 15 into the first or closed position. Second biasing element may comprise, for example, one or more coil springs coupled to slidable top member 15.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, slidable top member 15 may include a tapered projection 150 disposed on an underside of slidable top member 15. Preferably, tapered projection 150 is disposed at a bottom central portion of slidable top member 15 and has a substantially pointed portion which tapers or increases in width as the projection extends toward a front portion of slidable top member 15.

As shown in FIGS. 29, 30, and 40-42 a bracket 164 may be provided underneath slidable top member 15 and first and second locking pins 165, 166 are slidably mounted in bracket 164. Each of the first and second locking pins 165, 166 may be biased inwardly toward tapered projection 150, as shown for example in FIG. 42. As slidable top member 15 is moved from its first or closed position to its second or opened position, tapered projection 150 displaces first locking pin 165 and second locking pin 166 from the inwardly-biased retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 33, 35 and 42) to an extended position (as shown in FIGS. 32, 34 and 41). In this extended position, first locking pin 165 projects through an associated first opening 167 provided in first side wall 11 and second locking pin 166 projects through an associated second opening 168 in second side wall 12.

In their extended position, first and second locking pins 165, 166 serve to prevent an adjacent sliding top member associated with an adjacent display device or product dispenser from being moved into its open position. This feature further limits access to the items of merchandise and reduces theft by preventing a person from opening multiple product dispensers at a time.

For example, tapered projection 150 may be aligned with a small space between adjacent inner ends of first and second locking pins 165, 166 when the slidable top member 15 is in its first or closed position and the locking pins are in their retracted position. As sliding top member 15 is opened, tapered projection 150 contacts each of first and second locking pins 165, 166, displacing them outwardly into their respective extended positions.

In this extended position, first and second locking pins 165, 166 project through openings 167, 168 in the respective enclosure side walls and displace the locking pins of adjacent display devices or product dispensers. This displacement results in the interface or space between adjacent inner ends of the locking pins of the adjacent display devices becoming out of alignment with the associated sliding top member tapered projections. As a result, the tapered projection contacts a locking pin and not the interface or space between the ends of the pair of locking pins and the adjacent sliding top member cannot be opened. This feature further limits access to the items of merchandise and reduces theft by preventing a person from opening multiple product dispensers at a time.

A second governing device may be coupled to slidable top member 15 for controlling the rate at which the second biasing element 162 displaces the slidable top member 15 back towards the front portion 13 of the enclosure. Preferably, the second governing device results in the slidable top member 15 moving at a relatively slow, controlled rate of speed. This feature further limits access to the items of merchandise and prevents theft by increasing the time necessary for the slidable top member to return to its first or closed position and thereby retract locking pins 165, 166, allowing adjacent display devices to be opened.

The second governing device for limiting the displacement rate of slidable top member 15 may be similar to the governing device previously described for limiting the displacement rate of the pusher body 22 of the product advancing member. Accordingly, the second governing device may comprise various means for controlling the rate at which the second biasing element 162 displaces the slidable top member 15 toward the front portion 13 of the enclosure. For example, the second governing device may be a damper, such as a rotary damper or a linear damper. The second governing device may include spring-based mechanisms, for example a mechanism similar to those used in a mechanical clock or watch. The second governing device may also include mechanisms which employ viscous fluids, gas or air pressure or any other mechanism suitable for controlling the rate of displacement of the slidable top member 15 to achieve the desired rate of displacement of the slidable top member.

The second governing device may include, for example, a gear rack 240 disposed on an underside of slidable top member 15, as shown for example in FIG. 31. Gear rack 240 includes a plurality of teeth engaged by an associated gear of rotary damper 250, shown for example in FIGS. 29 and 30. Rotary damper 250 engages gear rack 240 of slidable top member 15. Rotary damper 250 may include a lower flanged portion for securing to a fixed portion of the display device. Rotary damper 250 may further include a housing containing a viscous medium, such as oil, for slowing the rotation of the associated gear.

The second governing device, such as a rotary damper 250 slows the forward linear motion of slidable top member 15 in response to the biasing action of second biasing element 162. As a result, the slidable top member returns to it first or closed position at a controlled, slow rate of speed. Until the slidable top member returns to its forward or closed position, adjacent enclosures remain locked by the previously described lockout mechanism. In this way, access to the displays is limited by controlling the rate of closure of the slidable top member, thereby reducing theft.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, enclosure 1 may further include a pivoting door 16 which functions as a gate. Pivoting door 16 is coupled to front portion 13 of enclosure 1. Pivoting door 16 may be movable between a first or closed position (as shown, for example in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7) wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from enclosure 1 and a second or open position (as shown, for example in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6) wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from enclosure 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, pivoting door 16 may be configured such that a rear portion receives one or more of the forward most items of merchandise in the display device, preferably a single, forward most item of merchandise. As pivoting door 16 is pivoted forward into its second or open position, the item of merchandise received in pivoting door 16 is available for removal from the display device or product dispenser, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6. A front surface of pivoting door 16 may include a grasping handle to facilitate opening of pivoting door 16 as shown, for example in FIG. 12.

Pivoting door 16 may further include an opening or aperture 161 therethrough for loading the plurality of items of merchandise into enclosure 1. A person responsible for stocking the display device may insert one or more fingers or a tool through opening 161 in pivoting door 16 for pushing the item or items of merchandise already loaded into enclosure 1 back toward a rear of enclosure 1, thereby allowing additional items of merchandise to be loaded into enclosure 1.

A second biasing element 162 may be coupled to pivoting door 16 for biasing pivoting door 16 into the first or closed position. Second biasing element may comprise, for example, one or more coil springs coupled to pivoting door 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, pivoting door 16 may also include a tapered projection 163 disposed on pivoting door 16. Preferably, tapered projection 163 is disposed at a bottom portion of pivoting door 16 and has a substantially pointed rear portion which tapers or increases in width as the projection extends toward a front portion of pivoting door 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1, and 14-16, a bracket may be provided, wherein first and second locking pins 165, 166 are slidably mounted in bracket 164. Each of the first and second locking pins 165, 166 may be biased inwardly toward tapered projection 163, as shown for example in FIG. 16. As pivoting door 16 is moved from its first or closed position to its second or opened position, tapered projection 163 displaces first locking pin 165 and second locking pin 166 from the inwardly-biased retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 16) to an extended position (as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 15). In this extended position, first locking pin 165 projects through an associated first opening 167 provided in first side wall 11 and second locking pin 166 projects through an associated second opening 168 in second side wall 12.

In their extended position, first and second locking pins 165, 166 serve to prevent an adjacent gate or pivoting door 16 associated with an adjacent display device or product dispenser from being moved into its open position. This feature further limits access to the items of merchandise and reduces theft by preventing a person from opening multiple product dispensers at a time.

For example, tapered projection 163 may be aligned with a small space between adjacent inner ends of first and second locking pins 165, 166 when the pivoting door 16 is in its first or closed position and the locking pins are in their retracted position. As pivoting door 16 is opened, tapered projection 163 contacts each of first and second locking pins 165, 166, displacing them outwardly into their respective extended positions.

In this extended position, first and second locking pins 165, 166 project through openings 167, 168 in the respective enclosure side walls and displace the locking pins of adjacent display devices or product dispensers. This displacement results in the interface or space between adjacent inner ends of the locking pins of the adjacent display devices becoming out of alignment with the associated pivoting door tapered projections. As a result, the tapered projection contacts a locking pin and not the interface or space between the ends of the pair of locking pins and the pivoting door cannot be opened.

FIGS. 19-26 show another embodiment of a display device having a pivoting door, wherein similar reference numerals denote elements similar to those described for the embodiments discussed above.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention having a plurality of product dispensers arranged substantially parallel to one another. Each of the product dispensers may be as shown and described in the foregoing. For example, each product dispenser may include an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. Each of the enclosures has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall, a front portion and a gate movable between a first position wherein an item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the enclosure.

Each product dispenser may include a first locking pin and a second locking pin wherein the gate displaces the first and second locking pins from a retracted position to an extended position as the gate is moved from its first position to its second position.

The product dispensers also include associated product advancing mechanisms for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of a respective enclosure for dispensing. The product advancing mechanisms comprise a track disposed between the first and second enclosure side walls, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element coupled to the pusher body, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

When the first locking pin and second locking pin associated with a first product dispenser of the plurality of product dispensers are in their extended positions, the gate associated with a second product dispenser of the plurality of product dispensers cannot be moved to its second or open position.

One or more of the product dispensers may include a a second biasing element, for example a spring, coupled to the gate for biasing the gate into its first or closed position. The gate may comprise a pivoting door coupled to the front portion of the enclosure or a slidable top member.

FIGS. 43-57 show a further embodiment of a display device according to the invention. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-57 employs a drop down mechanism, wherein the enclosure is configured such that only a frontmost item or items of merchandise may be removed from the enclosure at a time, preferably a single item of merchandise.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-57 may incorporate a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing as described for embodiments already described herein. As shown in FIGS. 45-55, the product advancing mechanism may include a track 21 disposed between the first and second side walls, a pusher body 22 slidably engaging track 21, a first biasing element 23 for biasing the pusher body 22 toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a governing device 200 for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion 13 of the enclosure.

In particular, each enclosure includes spaced apart first 11 and second 12 side walls and a cover member 14. cover member 14 covers at least a portion of a top of the enclosure and front 13 portion of the enclosure for preventing access to the items of merchandise therein. Cover member 14 is arranged such that a frontmost item or items of merchandise can be removed from the front bottom portion of the enclosure.

For example cover member 14 may comprise a substantially L-shaped member wherein a front portion of cover member 14 is spaced apart from a front edge of a surface on which the items of merchandise rest by a distance sufficient to allow a frontmost item of merchandise to fall under the force of gravity to a position where the item may be removed from the enclosure for purchase.

As shown for example in FIGS. 45-47 and 52-57, one or more displaceable retaining members 301 are provided at a lower front portion of the enclosure. Diplaceable retaining member 301 may be, for example, a push button or push bar which is movable between a first or extended position where the forward-most item of merchandise rests on displaceable retaining member 301 and against cover member 14, such that it cannot be removed from the enclosure (FIG. 56) and a second or retracted position wherein the forward-most item of merchandise may fall from the space between the cover member 14 and front edge and therefore be removed from the enclosure (FIG. 57). Displaceable retaining member 301 may be biased outwardly into its first or extended position by a biasing element 302 (FIG. 45).

As shown in FIGS. 52, 53, 56 and 57, track 21 may include one or more tabs 303 projecting downwardly from an underside of track 21. Tabs 303 are configured to engage corresponding slots 304 (FIG. 43) provided in a bottom surface of the enclosure. Slots 304 may be arranged as elongated, notched slots which allow the product advancing mechanism assembly to be secured in the respective enclosure at various positions along the length of the enclosure by engaging tab 303 at a desired notch in slot 304. This feature provides flexibility in the configuration of the display device and permits the display device to accommodate different merchandise item sizes.

Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A display device comprising: an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise, said enclosure comprising a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from said first side wall and a front portion; and a product advancing mechanism for advancing the plurality of items of merchandise toward said front portion of said enclosure for dispensing an item of the plurality of items of merchandise, said product advancing mechanism comprising: a track disposed between said first side wall and said second side wall; a pusher body slidably engaging said track; a first biasing element for biasing said pusher body toward said front portion of said enclosure; and a governing device for controlling the rate at which said first biasing element displaces said pusher body toward said front portion of the enclosure.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said governing device comprises a gear rack disposed on said track; and a rotary damper coupled to said pusher body and engaging said gear rack.
 3. The display device according to claim 1 wherein said first biasing element comprises a spring.
 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure further comprises a slidable top member movable between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
 5. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising a second biasing element coupled to said slidable top member for biasing said slidable top member into said first position.
 6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a second governing device coupled to said slidable top member for controlling a rate at which said second biasing element displaces said slidable top member towards said front portion of said enclosure
 7. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising a first locking pin and a second locking pin wherein said slidable top member displaces said first locking pin and said second locking pin from a retracted position to an extended position as said slidable top member is moved from said first position to said second position.
 8. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising: a tapered projection disposed on an underside of said slidable top member; a bracket; a first locking pin slidably mounted in said bracket and biased inwardly toward said tapered projection; and a second locking pin slidably mounted in said bracket and biased inwardly toward said tapered projection; wherein said tapered projection displaces said first locking pin and said second locking pin from a retracted position to an extended position as said slidable top member is moved from said first position to said second position, and in said extended position said first locking pin projects through an associated first opening provided in said first side wall and said second locking pin projects through an associated second opening in said second side wall.
 9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure further comprises a pivoting door coupled to said front portion of said enclosure, said pivoting door being movable between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
 10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said pivoting door has an opening therethrough for loading the plurality of items of merchandise into said enclosure.
 11. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising a second biasing element coupled to said pivoting door for biasing said pivoting door into said first position.
 12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member covering at least a portion of a top of said enclosure and said front portion of said enclosure, said cover member having a front portion spaced apart from a front edge of a surface of said enclosure on which the items of merchandise rest by a distance sufficient to allow the item of merchandise to drop to a position where the item may be removed from the enclosure; and a displaceable retaining member disposed at a lower front portion of said enclosure, said displaceable retaining member being movable between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
 13. A display device comprising a plurality of product dispensers, each of said plurality of product dispensers comprising: a) an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise, said enclosure comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall spaced apart from said first side wall; a front portion; a gate movable between a first position wherein an item of merchandise of said plurality of items of merchandise cannot be removed from said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from said enclosure; a first locking pin and a second locking pin wherein said gate displaces said first locking pin and said second locking pin from a retracted position to an extended position as said gate is moved from said first position to said second position; and b) a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward said front portion of said enclosure for dispensing the item of merchandise, said product advancing mechanism comprising: a track disposed between said first side wall and said second side wall; a pusher body slidably engaging said track; a first biasing element for biasing said pusher body toward said front portion of said enclosure; and a governing device for controlling the rate at which said first biasing element displaces said pusher body toward said front portion of the enclosure, wherein when said first locking pin and said second locking pin associated with a first product dispenser of said plurality of product dispensers are in said extended position, a gate associated with a second product dispenser of said plurality of product dispensers cannot be moved to said second position.
 14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a second biasing element coupled to said gate for biasing said gate into said first position.
 15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein said gate comprises a pivoting door coupled to said front portion of said enclosure.
 16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein said gate comprises a slidable top member. 